Orthodontic bracket

ABSTRACT

An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having an opening, and at least one projection extending outwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between a first position which is clear of the archwire slot, and second position where the ligating slide projects over the opening of the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide, and resiliently cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasing member has a first portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/755,054 filed Apr. 6, 2010 (pending), which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/408,873 filed Apr. 19, 2006 (U.S. Pat.No. 7,704,072), and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/968,065 (Attorney Docket No. ORM-361CO) filed Dec. 14, 2015, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. ______(Attorney Docket No. ORM-361CO3) filed______, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to an orthodontic bracket, and morespecifically to biased ligating slides which are employed with same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Orthodontic brackets which are attached to the teeth of a patient, aredesigned to engage an archwire that exerts force upon the teeth to movethe teeth into various clinically appropriate orientations. Suchbrackets typically include an archwire slot for reception of thearchwire. Those skilled in the art will recognize that an archwire slotcan have any desired cross-sectional configuration, or size, to matchthe size and shape requirements of the archwire or wires that are beingreceived within the same slot.

Heretofore, many orthodontic brackets have been adhesively bonded to atooth with the archwire slot being oriented in a substantially parallelorientation relative to the occlusal plane. However, those skilled inthe art have long recognized that the archwire slot can also beangularly oriented across the bracket for certain clinical applications.Previously, orthodontic brackets have included various cleat-likeextensions which have been referred to in the art as tie-wings or lugs.These structures project upwardly and downwardly, typically in pairs, atthe top and bottom of the installed orthodontic bracket. In this regard,these extensions permit an archwire to be held within the archwire slotof the bracket by means of a twisted wire (a ligature) or an elastomerico-ring which is releasably affixed by the respective lugs or tie-wings.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,588 to Hanson, and which issued on Feb. 3, 1981,an orthodontic bracket, and archwire were disclosed and which included amoveable retainer member which, in one position, could be located in aposition which facilitated access to the archwire slot, and in a secondposition, was useful for retaining the archwire within the archwireslot. Still further, this same reference disclosed a passageway 74 whichis defined, at least in part, by the body of the bracket, and which isuseful, in one embodiment, to pass a thin tie wire through, but whichalso was found advantageous, when fabricated in a rectangularcross-section, to receive a secondary archwire which could be employedto provide additional corrective forces to the tooth upon which theorthodontic bracket was attached.

In my U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,151, I disclosed a spring-locked orthodonticbracket having a ligating slide and which was acted upon by a biasingspring of various configurations which exerted an anteriorly outwardlybiasing force thereagainst the moveable ligating gate in order toposition or secure it in an appropriate orientation relative to thearchwire slot.

In my U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,118, I disclosed a self-ligating orthodonticbracket having a transverse archwire slot and which further included amoveable, ligating slide which cooperated with the orthodontic bracketin order to achieve various benefits not possible, heretofore, inorthodontic brackets having a similar design.

In addition to the foregoing, the Carriere SLB orthodontic bracket whichhas recently been introduced by Class One Orthodontics includes abracket body with a moveable cantilevered ligating slide. Thisorthodontic bracket further includes resilient members which form anintegral portion of the ligating slide and which cooperate with thesuperior portion of the bracket body to releasably secure the ligatingslide in a closed position. In this arrangement, the members forming anintegral portion of the ligating slide exert a force on the ligatingslide which is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the path oftravel of the ligating slide. The resilient members otherwise do notsupport the distal end of the ligating slide when it is located inclosed position over the archwire slot. Thus, the ligating slide remainscantilevered relative to the archwire slot.

While the brackets of the prior art have worked with varying degrees ofsuccess, assorted shortcomings have detracted from their usefulness. Inparticular, one of the chief difficulties with brackets having thedesigns as discussed, above, relates to the accurate manufacturing ofsame. Still further, another shortcoming attendant with such prior artdevices relates to the dimensional size of such brackets. As should beunderstood, practitioners, as well as patients, have continually soughtafter smaller, and more inconspicuous brackets in order to acquire orachieve a more aesthetically acceptable appearance when the bracket hasbeen installed in the mouth of a patient. As will be clear fromreviewing the several earlier mentioned prior art references, thepositioning of a biasing member within the bracket body in order tobiasingly cooperate with the ligating gate has typically increased thedimensional size of the resulting bracket, and further increased thedifficulty associated with fabricating and assembling orthodonticbrackets of this type. Additionally, orthodontic bracket designs such asthe Carriere SLB have additional shortcomings. For example, in bracketsof this prior art design, if an archwire is not fully seated in thearchwire slot, it becomes difficult if not impossible to fully engagethe ligating slide with the bracket body thereby securing the ligatingslide in the closed position over the archwire. More specifically, in adesign such as seen in the Carriere SLB, and wherein the cantileveredligating slide must releasably engage the base member in order to remainclosed over the archwire slot, it will be readily apparent that anunseated archwire may deflect or deform the ligating slide sufficientlyso that it may not effectively engage the base member, and thereforeremain closed over the archwire. In this specific design, if theligating slide does not effectively engage the base member, a clinicianmay cause the ligating slide to complete disengage from the base memberwith the result that the base member must now be removed from thepatients tooth, and a new orthodontic bracket attached to the tooth tocontinue treatment. This is obviously a time consuming process for boththe clinician as well as the patient.

An orthodontic bracket which avoids many of the shortcomings attendantwith the prior art practices and orthodontic bracket designs utilizedheretofore, is the subject matter of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket which includes a ligating slide coupled to a base member, andmoveable along a path of travel relative thereto, and wherein a biasingmember is borne by the ligating slide and cooperates with a portion ofthe base member to releasably position the ligating slide relative tothe base member, and wherein the biasing member exerts a biasing forcewhich acts in a direction which is substantially parallel to the path oftravel.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having anopening, and at least one projection extending outwardly relative to thebase member; a ligating slide moveably borne by the base member betweena first position where the ligating slide is clear of the archwire slot,and a second position where the ligating slide projects over the openingof the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slideand slideably cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasingmember has a first portion which receives the projection when theligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion whichreceives the projection when the ligating slide is in the secondposition.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket which includes a base member defining a transverse archwire slothaving an opening; a ligating slide borne by the base member andmoveable along a path of travel relative to the archwire slot, andwherein the ligating slide is moveable between a first position wherethe ligating slide allows access to the archwire slot, and a secondposition, where the ligating slide projects over the opening, andrestricts access to the archwire slot, and wherein a biasing member ismounted on the ligating slide and biasingly supports the ligating slidein at least one of the first or second positions, and wherein thebiasing member exerts a biasing force in a direction relative to thebase member which is substantially parallel and in non-coaxial alignmentrelative to the path of travel of the ligating slide.

Still further, another aspect of the present invention relates to anorthodontic bracket which includes a base member having a transversearchwire slot defining an opening, and at least one projection extendingoutwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between afirst position which is clear of the archwire slot, and a secondposition where the ligating slide projects over the opening of thearchwire slot; and a substantially planar biasing member borne by theligating slide and matingly cooperating with the projection, and whereina first portion of the biasing member receives the projection when theligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion of thebiasing member receives the projection when the ligating slide is in thesecond position.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket which includes a base member having a posterior facing surface,an anterior facing surface, and a projection extending outwardly fromone of the posterior and/or anterior facing surfaces; and a ligatingslide moveably borne by the base member along a path of travel, andfurther having a pair of members having opposing surfaces, and a channeldefined therebetween the opposing surfaces, and wherein the pair ofmembers resiliently cooperate with the projection to exert a biasingforce on the ligating slide which is in substantially parallel spacedrelation relative to the path of travel.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket which includes a base member having a posterior facing surface,and an anterior facing surface, and wherein a projection extendsoutwardly from the posterior facing surface, and wherein the anteriorfacing surface of the base member defines, at least in part, an archwireslot having an opening; and a ligating slide is borne by the base memberand is moveable between a first position, which allows access to thearchwire slot through the opening, and a second position, whichrestricts access to the archwire slot through the opening, and whereinthe ligating slide comprises a first portion extending to a secondportion, and wherein the first portion forms, at least in part, aportion of the anterior facing surface of the base member, and thesecond portion is positioned in adjacent spaced relation relative to theposterior facing surface of the base member; and a resilient-biasingmember is made integral with the second portion of the ligating slideand which resiliently cooperates with the projection.

Still further, another aspect of the present invention relates to anorthodontic bracket which includes a base member; an archwire slottraversing the base member, and wherein the archwire slot defines anopening within an anterior surface of the base member; a channelextending along the anterior surface of the base member from thearchwire slot to a lowermost surface of the base member; a fixedprojection extending laterally outwardly from the base member, and intoa portion of the channel; a ligating slide which is slideably receivedin the channel; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide andwhich resiliently cooperates with the fixed projection.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket which includes a ligating slide having a biasing member which isdefined, in part, by a pair of members with opposing surfaces, andwherein the opposing surfaces define a channel therebetween, and whereinthe members are spaced and resiliently moveable one relative to theother; and are operable to exert a biasing force on the ligating slide,and wherein the ligating slide is moveable along a path of travel, andthe biasing force is substantially parallel and in spaced relationrelative to the path of travel; and a biasing abutment is defined by oneof the surfaces of one of the members, and wherein the biasing abutmentat least partially occludes the channel.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket which includes a base member having anterior and posteriorfacing surfaces, and further defining an archwire slot having an openingin the anterior facing surface; a ligating slide moveably borne by thebase member, and which is moveable between a first position which isclear of the archwire slot, and a second position where the ligatingslide projects over the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by thebase member and resiliently cooperating with the ligating slide, andwherein the biasing member exerts a biasing force which is directedposteriorly outwardly relative to the base member to position theligating slide in the first and second positions.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket which includes a base member defining an archwire slot; aligating slide borne by the base member and moveable between a first,open position which allows access to the archwire slot, and a second,closed position which restricts access to the archwire slot, and whereinthe ligating slide has an anterior and a posterior facing surface, andwherein a channel is formed in the posterior facing surface of theligating slide; and an elongated flexible member is borne by the basemember and which has a distal end which is received in the channel, andwherein the distal end is resiliently deformable along a substantiallyarcuately shaped path of travel, and wherein the flexible membercooperates with the channel to releasably secure the ligating slide inthe first and second positions.

Yet still another aspect of the present invention relates to anorthodontic bracket which includes a base member defining an archwireslot; an elongated flexible member borne by the base member and whichhas a distal end which is moveable along an arcuately shaped path oftravel; and a ligating slide moveably borne by the base member between afirst position where the ligating slide is clear of the archwire slot,and a second position where the ligating slide restricts access to thearchwire slot, and wherein the distal end of the elongated flexiblemember cooperates with the ligating slide and moves along the arcuatelyshaped path of travel as the ligating slide moves between the first andsecond positions.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket which includes a base member having an anterior and posteriorfacing surfaces, and which further defines a transverse archwire slothaving an opening; a ligating slide which is moveably borne by the basemember between a first position, where the ligating slide is clear ofthe archwire slot, and a second position, where the ligating slideprojects over the opening of the archwire slot, and wherein the ligatingslide moves along a path of travel between the first and secondpositions; a resilient member borne by the base member and cooperatingwith the ligating slide to releasably restrain the ligating slide in thefirst and second positions, and wherein the resilient member isresiliently deformed, and moves along an arcuately shaped path of travelwhen the ligating slide moves between the first and second positions; atransverse passageway formed in the base member and disposed in spacedrelation relative to the archwire slot; and an orthodontic appliancereceived, at least in part, in the transverse passageway and whichfacilitates passive self-ligation.

Yet still another aspect of the present invention relates to anorthodontic bracket which includes a base member defining an archwireslot, and which has anterior, posterior, superior and inferior facingsurfaces, and where the base member defines a passageway which islocated adjacent to the posterior facing surface and which extendstherebetween the superior and inferior facing surfaces; an elongatedflexible member borne by the base member and extending posteriorlyoutwardly relative to the base member and into the passageway, andwherein the elongated flexible member has a distal end which is moveablealong an arcuately shaped path of travel; and a ligating slide which isreceived, at least in part, in the passageway, and which cooperates withthe elongated flexible member, and wherein the ligating slide ismoveable from a first position where the ligating slide is clear of thearchwire slot, to a second position where the ligating slide restrictsaccess to the archwire slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a partial, greatly enlarged view of one form of theorthodontic bracket of the present invention, and where the invention isillustrated within a patient's mouth and having an archwire received insame, and further where the ligating slide is positioned so as to permitaccess to the archwire slot.

FIG. 2 is a partial, greatly enlarged view of one form of an orthodonticbracket of the present invention, and which shows the ligating slideassociated with same in a position which restricts access to thearchwire slot defined by the orthodontic bracket.

FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged front elevation view of a first form of anorthodontic bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a greatly enlarged front elevation view of a first form of anorthodontic bracket of the present invention, and which is utilized incombination with another orthodontic appliance.

FIG. 4 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of one form of theorthodontic bracket of the present invention, and which is taken from aposition along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4A is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of one form of theorthodontic bracket of the present invention, and which is taken from aposition along the line 4A-4A of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged, front elevation view of one form of anorthodontic bracket of the present invention, and which shows theligating slide positioned so as to allow access to the archwire slot.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, front elevation view of a ligating slide whichis useful in one form of the orthodontic bracket of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a transverse, substantially horizontal, sectional view takenfrom a position along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view taken from a positionalong the line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, side-elevation view of a substantially planarbiasing member which finds usefulness in one form of the orthodonticbracket of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective, exploded, front elevation view of the firstform of the orthodontic bracket of the present invention, and with someunderlying surfaces shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a second form of an orthodonticbracket of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view taken from a positionalong the line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of a second form of an orthodonticbracket of the present invention, and which shows a ligating slideassociated with same and which is located in a first position whichpermits access to the archwire slot and which is defined by theorthodontic bracket.

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the ligating slide employed withthe second form of the orthodontic bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view taken from a positionalong the line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, rear elevation view taken from a positionalong line 16-16 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a perspective, exploded, front elevation view of the secondform of the orthodontic bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 17A is a perspective, exploded, front elevation view of yet anotherform of the orthodontic bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a transverse, vertical sectional view of a third form of theorthodontic bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of an orthodontic appliance employedwith the various forms of the orthodontic bracket of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of one form of a biasing member which isuseful in the third form of the orthodontic bracket of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective, exploded, front elevation view of fourth formof the orthodontic bracket of the present invention. Some underlyingsurfaces are shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 22 is a greatly enlarged, front elevation view of the fourth formof the orthodontic bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a transverse, vertical sectional view of the fourth form ofthe orthodontic bracket of the present invention, and which is takenfrom a position along line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary, front elevation view of a ligating slide whichis useful in the fourth form of the orthodontic bracket of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is a transverse, substantially horizontal, sectional view takenfrom a position along line 25-25 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective, exploded, front elevation view of a fifth formof the orthodontic bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a transverse, vertical sectional view of the fifth form ofthe orthodontic bracket as seen in FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theconstitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progressof science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

First Embodiment

Five forms of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket are illustrated in thedrawings. A first embodiment is shown in FIG. 1-10; a second form isillustrated in FIGS. 11-17; a third form is shown at FIG. 18; a fourthform is shown in FIGS. 21-25; and a fifth form is shown in FIGS. 26 and27, respectively. Other inventive aspects of the present invention suchas a novel orthodontic appliance to be employed in the various forms ofinvention (FIG. 19) are also shown in the various views, and will bediscussed in greater detail in the paragraphs hereinafter.

The illustrated details of the orthodontic bracket of the presentinvention may be used in many different combinations within the scope ofthis disclosure. For this reason, the details of the illustratedorthodontic brackets, as described hereinafter, are intended to beinterpreted as merely illustrative, and should not be taken asrestrictive of the practical combinations of such features within thescope of this disclosure and the appended claims as provided for,hereinafter. When referring to the illustrated forms of the bracketassemblies, and their component parts, the front surfaces, that is,directed outwardly from a supporting tooth shall be referred to as theanterior surface. Conversely, its rear surfaces, that is, those facingtoward the tooth shall be termed the posterior surfaces. Directionsalong a bracket assembly generally parallel to the incisal or occlusalline or plane shall be referred to as having width and/or beingtransverse. Conversely, perpendicular directions extending in generallyupright orientations between the gingival line, and the incisal, orocclusal line shall be referred to as the height of the bracketassembly. The upright surfaces across the bracket shall be termed itsside surfaces, and surfaces along the top and bottom of the bracketassembly shall be termed the incisal or occlusal surfaces or thegingival surfaces, respectively. When referring to the directions ofmovement of the ligating slide of the present orthodontic bracket theterms inferior and superior shall be used in an anatomical sense, thatis, oriented in relation to a patient wearing the bracket. Thus, if aligating slide is moved inferiorly, it will be moved in a downwarddirection. Conversely, if it is moved superiorly, it will be moved in anupward direction.

The archwire slot shown in the attached drawings are alignedtransversely across each bracket in a direction which is usuallyparallel to the incisal or occlusal surfaces for general illustrationpurposes, only. However, the archwire slot across each bracket can beoriented in any desired angular configuration relative to its incisal orocclusal surfaces to affect a desired degree of tipping to a supportingtooth. In addition, the bracket can be oriented angularly relative to asupporting pad thereby providing an angular force to the archwire slot,and engaged archwire, when secured to a supporting tooth.

In order to properly fit upon the exterior surface of a selected tooth,the posterior surface, across the pad for each bracket, must be moldedor otherwise formed to conform to the tooth with the archwire slot atthe desired angular relationship to the archwire upon installation.Various placement angles can be provided on selected brackets byrotating the anterior surface contour across the pads of the bracketswithin a set. Alternatively, the archwire slots, and a set of bracketscan be arranged in selected angles by rotating the position of theprotruding elements of each bracket relative to a pad having a properlycontoured posterior surface. The archwire slot is then formed in theprotruding portion of the bracket to match the amount of tipping to beimparted to a given tooth. While the illustrated archwire slot in thevarious forms of the invention is shown in a perpendicular orientationrelative to the anterior surface of the bracket, it could be formed inany desired angle relative to the anterior surfaces, depending upon thedesired torquing to which the supporting tooth is to be subjected. Theillustrative brackets, as shown herein, are designed to be bondeddirectly to a tooth at either the facial or lingual tooth surfaces.

The present bracket can be made from any suitable material includingmetals, plastics and ceramics, as well as a combination of suchmaterials. The brackets, as shown herein, are typically fabricated outof metal, but the choice of materials is not critical to theunderstanding or the subsequent clinical use of the invention. The onlylimitation with regard to the chosen materials is the ability toefficiently fabricate or mold the bracket, and the accompanying ligatingslide as structures which are capable of movement one relative to theother, and which are operable to engage the archwire during anorthodontic procedure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, a first form of an orthodontic bracket ofthe present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 therein.As seen more specifically in FIG. 1, the orthodontic bracket 10 findsusefulness when used in an orthodontic procedure which affects aplurality of teeth 11 within a patient's mouth. As well known to thoseskilled in the art, each of the teeth 11 have an exterior facing surface12 upon which a bracket body or base member 13 is typically affixed byusing an appropriate adhesive. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, it willbe seen that the base member or bracket body 13 defines a substantiallytransversely disposed archwire slot 14 which extends thereacross, andwhich is further operable to receive a suitable archwire 15 therein. Thearchwire is illustrated in an appropriate, seated position within thearchwire slot. It will be recognized, however, under some circumstancesand particularly when the archwire is first installed, it may not beappropriately positioned within the archwire slot. The presentinvention, as will be described below, is operable to facilitate passiveself-ligation of the archwire in a fashion not possible, heretofore. Forexample, during the treatment of a patient, orthodontic bracketsoccasionally detach from the underlying tooth. Further, teethoccasionally move following this detachment. If his occurs, the variousforms of the orthodontic bracket as will be disclosed, herein, can bereattached to the tooth at its correct position, and the archwire 15 maybe reinserted into the archwire slot 14, and the ligating slide closed,without the need to replacing the archwire 15 with a smaller dimensionedarchwire which is now the accepted practice. This feature of theinvention is facilitated by the resiliency of the ligating slide 16which will be described in greater detail, hereinafter. Additionally,the present invention provides significant time savings for thetreatment of a patient. In the first form of the invention, the basemember further cooperates with a moveable ligating slide or gate 16,which in one position as seen in FIG. 5, allows access to the archwireslot 14; and in FIG. 3 restricts access to the archwire slot 14. Theligating slide cooperates with a substantially planar, resilient biasingmember 17 as seen in FIGS. 3 and 9, and which defines, at least in part,the course of movement for the ligating slide 16. Therefore, in itsbroadest aspect, the present invention relates to an orthodontic bracket10 which includes a ligating slide 16 which is configured to be coupledto a base 13, and wherein the ligating slide 16 further cooperates witha biasing member 17 which receives a portion of the base member 13.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the bracket body or basemember 13 has an anterior facing surface or side 20, and an oppositeposterior facing surface or side 21 which is adhesively affixed to theexterior surface 12 of a tooth 11 of a patient. The base member 13further has a top, or superior facing surface or portion 22, and anopposite, lower, or inferior surface or portion 23. As seen in FIG. 4,opposite transversely oriented channels 24 are defined in the superiorand inferior facing surfaces and are further located therebetween theanterior and posterior facing surfaces 20 and 21. These channels may beuseful for securing various other dental appliances therein. Morespecifically, the superior portion 22 and inferior or lowermost portion23 define substantially continuous upper and lower tie wing projectionswhich can be employed in various orthodontic treatment regimens.

Referring still to FIG. 4 and FIG. 10 it will be seen that the bracketbody or base member 13 has a transverse, substantially square orrectangular shaped passageway 30 formed in the superior portion 22 ofthe base member. As illustrated in FIG. 10, it will be seen that thetransverse passageway extends completely through the base member, andfurther is disposed in substantially parallel, spaced relation relativeto the archwire slot 14. As should be understood, if the archwire slot14 is located in an orientation other than the transverse orientation asseen in FIGS. 1-10, then this parallel orientation would not exist.However, it should be understood that the transverse passageway 30 mayreceive or cooperate with another secondary archwire; post; and/or otherorthodontic appliances as will be described, hereinafter, and which maybe useful in treating various tooth anomalies. In this regard, andreferring now to FIGS. 3, 5 and 19, a novel orthodontic appliance in theform of a torquing assembly 31 is provided, and which matinglycooperates with the transverse passageway 30 in a manner so as to supplyforce of various amounts, and directions to the underlying tooth 11. Inthis regard, the torquing assembly 31 has a first portion 32 having asubstantially square or rectangular shape, and which is dimensioned tobe telescopingly received within the transverse passageway 30. Stillfurther, the torquing assembly 31 has a second portion 33 which isattached to the first portion 32, by means of an intermediate portion32A. The intermediate portion is longitudinally, resiliently deformableby means of the second portion 33, and which may be rotated thereaboutthe first portion 32, and then left in engagement with the archwire 15as seen in FIG. 5. In this fashion, the torquing assembly 31 can producea force of a given magnitude, and direction, on the tooth of a patientin order to further enhance the usefulness of the present orthodonticbracket 10. As seen further in FIG. 4, and in the other views, thepresent orthodontic bracket 10 includes at least one post or projection34 which extends outwardly relative to the base member 13, and whichfurther is received within a bore 35 which is formed in the base member13 and near the inferior portion or surface 23. In the presentinvention, the post or projection 34 is received, at least in part, inthe bore 35, and extends anteriorly outwardly relative to the basemember 13. Further, and as will be discussed in the second form of theinvention as seen in FIG. 12, the post or projection 124 extendsposteriorly outwardly relative to the base member 103. As should beunderstood, the projection 34 is herein depicted as being substantiallycylindrical (FIG. 10), and further the projection 34 has an exteriorfacing surface 36. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter,the projection 34 cooperates with the ligating slide 16 in order todefine, at least in part, a course of movement for the ligating slide.This feature of the invention will be discussed, below. As earliernoted, the base member 13 has an anterior facing surface or side 20; anda posterior facing surface or side 21. In the first and second forms ofthe invention as described herein, the bore 35 is sized so as tomatingly receive and secure the projection 34. In the assembly of thepresent invention, it should be understood that the projection 34/124will be inserted in the bore 35/125 from the posterior facing surface orside 21 of the base member 13/103, respectively. As will be recognizedfrom a study of the drawings, in some forms of the invention, the bore35 may extend through the base member 13 (FIG. 4); but in a second formof the invention, the bore 125 may not extend through the base member103.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a recess 37 is formed in the anterior facingsurface 20 and adjacent the archwire slot 14. This recess is useful forinserting a dental tool or other instrument therein in order to affectdownward or inferior movement of the ligating slide 16 as will bediscussed in greater detail hereinafter.

As best seen in FIGS. 3A and 4A, the present invention can accommodate asecond novel orthodontic appliance in the form of a removable horizontalhook 38, and which can be inserted into the passageway 30, and which cancooperate with elastic bands or other appliances of various sorts inorder to be employed in desired orthodontic treatment regimens. Theremovable horizontal hook has a rectangular shaped main body 39 which isdimensioned for mating receipt with the passageway 30. The main body hasa distal end 39A which may be bent or otherwise deformed, as illustratedby phantom lines, in order to secure the removable hook within thepassageway 30.

As seen in FIG. 10, the anterior facing surface 20 of the base member 13defines a pair of spaced, substantially inwardly extending, guidemembers which are generally indicated by the numeral 40. The guidemembers 40 have an exterior facing surface 41, and an opposite, interiorfacing surface 42 which defines, at least in part, a generallyvertically oriented ligating slide channel which is generally indicatedby the numeral 43. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the projection 34 extendsanteriorly outwardly from the base member 13, and into this ligatingslide channel 43 for purposes of cooperating with the ligating slide 16which will be described below. As seen in FIG. 10, the bracket body orbase member 13 defines an opening 44 which allows access to the archwireslot 14 when the ligating gate is in one of its two operationalpositions. As seen in the drawings, the archwire slot 14 communicateswith the channel 43. The operation of the ligating slide or gate 16 willbe described in greater detail in the paragraphs which follow.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-7, it will be seen that the first form of theorthodontic bracket 10 includes a ligating slide 16 which is slideablyborne by the base member 13 and reciprocally moveable along a path oftravel relative to the archwire slot 14 in the fashion which will bedescribed, hereinafter. The ligating slide has a main body 50 having afirst, superior end 51; a second inferior end 52; an anterior facingsurface 53; and an opposite, posterior facing surface 54. As seen, mostclearly in FIGS. 4 and 10, the superior end 51 may be beveled orotherwise rounded so as to facilitate passive self-ligation of thearchwire 15. Still further, the main body includes a first, verticallydisposed peripheral edge 55; and a second, opposite vertically disposedperipheral edge 56 which is disposed in substantially parallel, spacedrelation relative to the first peripheral edge 55. As will be seen byreference to FIG. 10, for example, the guide members 40, and thelowermost portion 23 of the base member 13 shields, at least in part, aportion of each of the opposite peripheral edges 55 and 56,respectively. As further seen by reference to FIG. 4, for example, theligating slide 16 is resiliently deformable, as seen by the phantomlines of the ligating slide, to a position which is anteriorly outwardrelative to the base member 13. This resiliently deformable ligatingslide 16 facilitates passive self-ligation of the archwire inasmuch asthe archwire 15 need not be fully seated in the archwire slot 14, forthe orthodontic bracket 10 to be effectively used. The beveled and/orrounded superior end allows the ligating slide to move past the bracketbody or base member 13 when moving from a displaced, biased position, asseen in phantom lines in the drawings to an unbiased orientation.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-8 and 10, it will be seen that a first recessedregion 60, and a second recessed region 61 are formed in the anteriorfacing surface 53 of the ligating slide 16, and adjacent to the firstand second vertically disposed edges 55 and 56, respectively. Thesefirst and second recessed regions 60 and 61, respectively, each have afirst end 62, which is positioned adjacent to the first, superior end 51of the main body; and a second end 63, which is spaced therefrom, andoriented in spaced relation relative to the second inferior edge 52. Asseen in the drawings, the first and second recessed regions have athickness dimension which facilitates the positioning of the recessedregions in the area therebetween the interior facing surface 42 of therespective guide members 40, and the base member 13 so as to permit theselective slideable movement of the ligating slide 16 in the channel 43.As should be understood, this physical arrangement prohibits force whichmight be occasioned by a patients chewing, for example, from adverselyinfluencing the ligating slide 16. As will be appreciated from a studyof FIGS. 7 and 8, a cavity 70, of predetermined dimensions, is formed inthe posterior facing surface 54 of the main body 50, and is operable toreceive the planar resilient biasing member 17 which will be discussedin greater detail, below. The cavity 70 has an open, first or superiorend 71 (FIG. 8), and an opposite, closed, second or inferior end 72. Thecavity has a depth dimension which is greater than or equal to thethickness dimension of the substantially planar, resilient biasingmember 17. Still further, the posterior facing surface 54 defines anabutting edge 73 which is operable to limit the movement of the ligatingslide 16 along the course or path of travel 74 (FIG. 3). In this regard,the course of travel 74 is defined between a first position 75 where theligating slide allows access to the archwire slot (this is best seen inFIG. 5); and a second position 76 where the ligating slide 16 projectsin a cantilevered fashion, at least in part, over the opening 44 and, atleast partially restricts access to the archwire slot 14 (FIG. 3). Asearlier discussed, in other possible forms of the invention, thesuperior end 51 of the ligating slide may partially overlap and evenreleasably cooperate with the base member 13 to achieve the benefitsprovided by the present invention. In the arrangement as seen in thedrawings, and as will be discussed below, the ligating slide 16 isbiasingly supported in at least one of the first or second positions 75and 76 respectively. As will become more apparent from the discussionwhich follows, the biasing force applied to the ligating slide 16 tosupport it in one of the first or second positions 75 and 76, acts in adirection which is substantially parallel to the path of travel 74 ofthe ligating slide 16. This is contrary to the prior art devices usedheretofore, and wherein prior art biasing assemblies typically provideda biasing force which was directed anteriorly outwardly and in adirection which is generally normal to the ligating slide. As will beappreciated by a study of FIG. 4, the first superior end, or edge 51 maybe disposed in juxtaposed abutting relation relative to the base member13 when the ligating slide 16 is in the second position 76. In otherpossible forms of the invention, the same superior end or edge 51 maypartially abut the base member 13; or as discussed above, partiallyoverlay the base member 13. In still other arrangements, the superiorend or edge 51 may releasably engage or otherwise cooperate with thebase member when disposed in the second position where the ligatingslide 16 extends over the archwire slot 14. In still other forms of theinvention as seen in the drawings, the superior end 51 may be beveledand/or rounded so as to facilitate passive self-ligation. This featureis common to the several exemplary forms of the invention as seen in thedrawings.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-10, it will be seen that the orthodonticbracket 10 of the present invention includes a substantially planarresilient biasing member 17 which is borne by the ligating slide 16, andwhich slideably cooperates with the projection 34 to biasingly supportthe ligating slide 16 in at least one of the first or second positions75 and 76, respectively. In this regard, the resilient member 80 has asubstantially planar main body 80 which is positioned in a generallyparallel, spaced relationship relative to the anterior facing surface 53of the ligating slide 16. As seen in the drawings, the substantiallyplanar main body 80 is received within the cavity 70 which is defined bythe ligating slide, and is oriented in a fashion so as to resilientlycooperate with the projection 34 which extends anteriorly outwardlyrelative to the base member 13. As illustrated, it will be appreciatedthat the resilient biasing member provides a resilient or biasing forcewhich acts in a perpendicular or radial direction relative to theprojection 34, and substantially parallel relative to the path ofmovement of the ligating slide 16. In this regard, and as seen in FIG.9, the planar main body includes a transverse portion 81 which has afirst end 82, and an opposite second end 83. The transverse portion 81has a length dimension which is less than about the width dimension ofthe cavity 70 thereby allowing the main body 80 to be securely receivedwithin the cavity 70. Still further, the main body 80 includes first andsecond dependent, and resiliently moveable members 84 and 85,respectively. The respective depending members extend substantiallynormally, downwardly relative to the transverse portion 81. Stillfurther, each of the depending members has a distal end 90; an outwardlyfacing edge 91; and an inwardly facing edge 92. The inwardly facingedges are disposed in predetermined, spaced relation one relative to theother. As seen in FIG. 9, a channel 93 is defined therebetween theinwardly facing edges 92. Still further, a portion of the inwardlyfacing edges 92, each define, at least in part, an inwardly facingbiasing abutment 94 which mechanically and slideably cooperates orotherwise engages the projection 34 in order to bias the ligating slide16 in one of the first or second positions 75 and 76, respectively. Asunderstood from the drawings, the transverse portion 81 cooperates withthe projection 34 to limit downward movement of the ligating slide 16,and to prevent the ligating slide from disengaging from the base portion13 when the ligating slide is in the first position 75. As currentlyarranged, the respective biasing abutments 94 are operable to bias orotherwise releasably support the ligating slide 16 into the secondposition 76, which as seen in FIG. 3, substantially restricts access tothe archwire slot 14 and thereby captures the archwire 15 therein. Asseen in FIG. 9, the channel 93 has a first portion 95; and a secondportion 96. The first and second portions of the channel 93 are locatedon the opposite sides of the respective biasing abutments 94. As seen,the respective biasing abutments are disposed in such an orientation soas to occlude, at least in part, or otherwise narrowly restrict, thechannel 93. As seen therefore, the resilient or biasing member 17 has afirst portion 95 of the channel 93 which receives the projection 34 whenthe ligating slide is in the first position 75; and a second portion ofthe channel 96 which receives the projection 34 when the ligating slideis in the second position 76. Therefore, the pair of members 84 and 85resiliently cooperate with the outwardly or exterior facing surface 36of the projection 34 to appropriately position and releasably restrainthe ligating slide 16 in either of the first or second positions 75 and76, respectively. The projection 34 passes along the channel when aclinician exerts sufficient force on the ligating slide 16 by means ofan instrument, not shown, so as to cause projection 34 to biasingly movethe members 84 and 85 apart so as to permit the projection 34 to passalong the passageway 93 to the appropriate location. As seen in FIGS. 3and 5, for example, the projection 34 is operable to move along thechannel 93 and between the first and second portions 95 and 96 thereof,to appropriately position the ligating gate 16 as described earlier.This arrangement is particularly advantageous inasmuch as the overallthickness dimension of the resulting first form of the orthodonticbracket 10 can be reduced thereby making the bracket more aestheticallyappealing, and easier to fabricate. In addition to the foregoing, and inanother possible form of the invention, it should be understood that thebiasing member 80 may be made integral with the ligating slide 16. Morespecifically, the members 84 and 85 may be integrally molded with theligating slide so as to provide the benefits discussed above.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the orthodontic bracket of the presentinvention is generally indicated by the numeral 100 and is best seen byreference to FIGS. 11-17A, respectively. As seen therein, the secondembodiment of the orthodontic bracket 100 is defined by a bracket bodyor base member 103 and which further defines a transversely disposedarchwire slot 104 which is operable to receive an archwire 105 oftraditional design. As earlier discussed, the archwire slot is shown ina transverse orientation relative to the bracket body or base member103, however, it will be appreciated that the archwire slot 104 may beoriented in various orientations to achieve various clinical benefitsfor a patient. As seen in the drawings, the archwire slot 104 issubstantially rectangular in shape, and is operable to receive arectangular shaped archwire 105 of conventional design. The orthodonticbracket 100 includes a ligating slide 106 which moveably cooperates withthe base member 103, and is moveable along a path of travel from a firstposition which allows access to the archwire slot 105 through theopening 108, and a second position where the moveable ligating slide 106prevents access to the archwire slot. It will be appreciated by a studyof FIG. 12 that the ligating slide 106 is resiliently deformable so asto facilitate passive self-ligation and the proper seating of thearchwire 105 in the archwire slot 104. As should be understood, thepresent resiliently deformable ligating slide 106 may be sufficientlydeformed such that it may close over an archwire 105 which may beslightly protruding from the archwire slot 104. Over time, however, theligating slide 108 will assume its original shape to confine orotherwise enclose the archwire 105 within the archwire slot in themanner of passive self ligation, as earlier discussed. As seen byreference to FIG. 17, a planar resilient biasing member 107 is madeintegral with the moveable ligating slide and which is operable tobiasingly position the moveable ligating slide 106 in one of theaforementioned positions relative to the archwire slot 104. As seen byreference to FIG. 12 and following, the base member 103 has an anteriorfacing surface or side 110, and an opposite posterior facing surface orside 111 which may be adhesively affixed, at least in part, to anunderlying tooth of a patient who is being treated. Still further, thebase member 103 has a top or superior facing surface 112, and a bottomor inferior facing surface 113. As seen in FIG. 12, the base member 103,and a portion of the moveable ligating slide 106 define individuallyelongated channels 114 which may be utilized to engage other orthodonticappliances as is customary for the treatment of a patient. The basemember and ligating slide each respectively define a substantiallycontinuous tie wing.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, for example, and similar to the first formof the invention 10, a transverse substantially rectangularcross-sectioned passageway 120 is formed in the base member 103, anddisposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to thearchwire slot 104. As earlier disclosed, this transverse passageway 120may receive other orthodontic appliances, such as a secondary archwire,or further may utilize a novel torquing spring or assembly 121 which issimilar to that earlier disclosed, and which was described by referenceto FIG. 19. In this regard, the torquing assembly 121 has a firstportion 122 having a rectangular shape and which is dimensioned to bematingly received in the transverse passageway 120; and a second portion123 which is attached to the first portion by an intermediate portion122A. The intermediate portion is longitudinally, resiliently deformableby means of the second portion 123, and which can be rotated in a givendirection, and thereafter forcibly engage the archwire 123 as seen inFIG. 13 in order to provide a torquing force on same to facilitate themovement of a tooth in a given direction. As seen in the drawings, thesecond form of the orthodontic bracket 100 includes a projection 124(FIG. 12) which is received in a bore 125, and which extends generallyposteriorly outwardly relative to the base member 103. The projection124 has an exterior facing surface 126 which cooperates with theresilient biasing member 107 in order to achieve the benefits which willbe discussed in greater detail hereinafter. As seen in FIG. 12, the bore125 does not extend through the base member 103. Further, and whenassembling the second form of the invention, it should be clear from astudy of FIG. 12 that the projection 124 is inserted in the bore 125from the posterior facing surface or side 11 of the base member 103. Asseen by reference to FIGS. 12 and 17, respectively, the base member 103further defines a substantially vertically oriented passageway 127 whichslideably receives a portion of the moveable ligating slide 106, as willbe discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. The vertically orientedpassageway 127 has a first end 128, which is adjacent to the superiorside of the base member 103, and a second end 129 which is adjacent tothe inferior side of the orthodontic bracket 100. As seen by referenceto FIG. 12, the projection 124 extends into and partially occludes thevertically oriented passageway 127. The operation of the passageway, incombination with the moveable ligating slide 107, will be discussed ingreater detail, hereinafter.

As best seen by reference to FIGS. 17 and 17A, the base member 103includes a pair of anteriorly extending guide members 130 which arepositioned in predetermined substantially parallel spaced relation onerelative to the other. The guide members 130 are operable to cooperatewith the ligating slide 106 as will be described below. Each of theguide members have an inwardly facing surface 131 which defines apassageway 132 therebetween, and which slideably receives a portion ofthe ligating slide 106. Referring now to FIG. 17 and similar to thefirst form of the invention 10, the guide members each have a portion134 which is operable to slideably restrain, and otherwise shield, atleast in part, the ligating slide 106. This structural element iseliminated in the form of the invention as seen in FIG. 17A. As seen inFIGS. 17 and 17A, for example, the ligating slide 106 has a main body150 having a first superior end 151, and an opposite second inferior end152. The main body further has an anterior facing surface 153, and anopposite posterior facing surface 154. As seen in FIG. 12, a portion ofthe posterior facing surface 154 defines, in part, the archwire slotwhen the ligating slide is positioned in covering relation relative tothe archwire slot to restrict access to same. The main body 150 hasopposite substantially vertically disposed edges 155 and 156,respectively. Still further, the main body has a first portion 157 whichforms, at least in part, a portion of the anterior facing surface 153 ofthe base member 103; and further, a second portion 158 is positioned inadjacent spaced relation relative to the posterior facing surface 111 ofthe base member. As seen in FIGS. 17 and 17A, the second portion 158 ofthe ligating slide 106 is disposed in spaced relation relative to theposterior facing surface 154. Still further, the second portion 158 isdimensioned, in length, thickness and width, to be slideably receivedwithin the vertically oriented passageway 127 which is defined by thebase member 103. The second portion 158 of the ligating slide hasintegrally formed therewith, the planar resilient biasing member 107 aswill be described in greater detail, hereinafter. As with the first formof the invention 10, the resilient biasing member 107 defines a courseof movement for the accompanying ligating slide 106 for the purposeswhich will be described below. As seen in FIGS. 14 and 17, the ligatingslide 106 further defines first and second recessed regions 159A and B,respectively. As illustrated, these recessed regions have a thicknessdimension which allows the ligating slide to be slideably receivedtherebetween the portions 134 and base member 103 so as to facilitatethe reciprocal sliding movement of the ligating slide 106, as describedbelow. As best see by reference to FIG. 17A, an alternative second formof the invention is shown. In this regard, it will be seen that theligating slide has been modified to eliminate the recessed regions 159Aand B, respectively. Further, and as noted above, the guide members 130have been modified to eliminate the structural element 134, (FIG. 17)which was operable in the previous form of the invention, to restrainthe movement of the ligating slide 106.

Referring now, for example, to FIGS. 17 and 17A, it will be understoodthat the second form of the orthodontic bracket 100 includes asubstantially planar resilient biasing member 107 which is made integralwith the second portion 158 of the ligating slide 106, and which furtherresiliently cooperates, and receives, the projection 124 which extendsposteriorly, rearwardly, and into the passageway 127 which is defined bythe base member 103. Similar to the resilient biasing member 80 asdescribed with the first form of the invention 10, the resilient biasingmember 107 has a main body 160 which has a transverse portion 161. Thetransverse portion has opposite first and second ends 162 and 163 whichare made integral with the second portion 158 of the ligating slide 106.The main body of the planar resilient biasing member 160 furtherincludes first and second depending members 164 and 165 which are eachdisposed in predetermined, spaced relation one relative to the other.Each of the depending members 164 and 165 have a distal end 170, andhave an outwardly facing edge 171, and an opposite, inwardly facing edge172 which defines a channel 173, therebetween. As seen in the drawings,a portion of each of the inwardly facing surfaces define a biasingabutment 174 which occludes, at least in part, the channel 173. In thisregard, the channel 173 is defined by a first portion 175 which, whenthe projection 124 is received therein, positions the ligating slide ina position whereby a practitioner can gain access to the archwire slot104, and a second portion 176, whereby the resilient biasing membersresiliently secures the ligating slide 106 in a substantially closedposition thereby restricting access to the archwire slot 104 andcapturing the archwire 105 therein. This is seen by a study of FIGS. 11and 13, respectively. As seen in FIG. 16, the first and second dependinglegs are resiliently moveable laterally outwardly, one relative to theother to allow for the passage of the projection 124 therethrough,thereby locating the projection 124 in either the first or secondportions 175 and 176 of the channel 173. As seen from a study of FIGS.11 and 13, the ligating slide 106 is moveable along a course of travelor movement 180, between a first position 181, where the ligating slide106 allows access to the archwire slot 104 (FIG. 13), and wherein theprojection 124 is in engagement thereagainst the transverse portion 161;and a second position 182, and where the ligating slide 106 projectsover the opening 108 and restricts access to the archwire slot 104 (FIG.11). In this arrangement, the ligating slide 106 is biasingly supportedin at least one of the first or second positions by the planar biasingmember 107. As seen by reference to FIGS. 11 and 13, the first portion175 of the channel 173 receives the projection 124 when the ligatingslide is in the first position 181 (FIG. 13), and the second portion 176receives the projection 124 when the ligating slide 106 is in the secondposition 182. As similarly described with respect to the first form ofthe invention, the biasing force applied to the biasing member 107 issubstantially perpendicular relative to the projection 124 andsubstantially parallel to the path of movement 180 of the ligating slide106.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment of the orthodontic bracket of the present inventionis generally indicated by the numeral 200, and is best seen by referenceto FIG. 18. As seen therein, the third embodiment of the orthodonticbracket 200 is defined by a bracket body or base member 203 and whichfurther defines a transversely disposed archwire slot 204 which isoperable to receive an archwire 205 of traditional design. As earlierdiscussed with respect to the first and second forms of the invention,the archwire slot 204 is shown in a transverse orientation relative tothe bracket body or base member 203, however, it will be appreciatedthat the archwire slot 204 may be located in various orientations toachieve assorted clinical benefits for a patient. As seen in FIG. 18,the archwire slot 204 is substantially rectangular and is operable toreceive a rectangular shaped archwire 205 of conventional design. Theorthodontic bracket 200 further includes a ligating slide 206 whichmoveably cooperates with the base member 203, and is moveable along apath of travel from a first position which allows access to the archwireslot 204 through an opening 208, and a second position, where themoveable ligating slide 206 prevents access to the archwire slot.Similar to that described with respect to the forms of the inventionwhich were earlier described, it will be understood that the ligatingslide 206 is resiliently deformable so as to facilitate passiveself-ligation, and the proper seating of the archwire 205 in thearchwire slot 204, if necessary. The ligating slide is shown in phantomview in order to illustrate the relative resiliency and movement of theligating slide relative to the bracket body or base member 203. As seenin FIGS. 18 and 20, the third embodiment or form of the invention 200includes a biasing member 207 which is borne by the base member 203, andwhich resiliently cooperates with a portion of the ligating slide 206.As seen in FIG. 18, the biasing member 207 exerts a biasing force whichis directed posteriorly outwardly relative to the base member 203 toposition the ligating slide 206 in the opposite first and secondpositions which are shown, alternatively, in solid as well as in phantomlines. As will be recognized from a study of FIG. 18, the biasing member207 is carried by, or otherwise positioned, mounted, or received withina portion of the base member 203 as will be described in further detailbelow. The biasing member 207 is operable to releasably biasinglyposition the moveable ligating slide 206 in one of the aforementionedpositions relative to the archwire slot 204. As seen in FIG. 18, thebase member 203 has an anterior facing surface or side 210; and anopposite posterior facing surface or side 211 which may be adhesivelyaffixed, at least in part, to an underlying tooth of a patient who isbeing treated. Still further, the base member 203 has a top or superiorfacing surface or portion 212, and a bottom, lowermost or inferiorfacing surface 213. Similar to that described with the first and secondforms of the invention, the base member as well as the moveable ligatingslide 206 define individual elongated channels 214 which may be utilizedto engage other orthodontic appliances as is customary for the treatmentof a patient. As earlier described, this arrangement results in anorthodontic bracket which has substantially continuous superior andinferior tie wings.

As seen in FIG. 18, and similar to the earlier forms of the invention, atransverse, substantially rectangular cross-sectional passageway 220 isformed in the base member 203 and disposed in substantially parallel,spaced relation relative to the archwire slot 204. This transversepassageway 220 may receive other orthodontic appliances such as asecondary archwire, or further may utilize a novel torquing springassembly such as what is seen in FIG. 19 and which was earlier describedwith respect to the first and second forms of the invention. As seen inFIGS. 18 and 20, and as discussed briefly above, the second form of theinvention 200 includes a biasing member 207 which exerts a biasing forcewhich is directed generally posteriorly outwardly relative to the basemember 203 to position the ligating slide 206 in the first and secondpositions, as described earlier. In this regard, the biasing member 207is carried or otherwise positioned or mounted on the base member 203 andis typically received within a cavity 221 that is formed therein. Asseen from FIG. 18 it will be understood that the cavity 221 does notextend through the base member. Further, it should be appreciated thatthe biasing member 207 can take on a number of configurations. Somepossible configurations are those which are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.5,466,151, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein.One possible form of the biasing member is seen in FIG. 20 where thebiasing member is illustrated as a deformable, resilient o-ring which isfabricated of a metal and/or composite and which is received in thecavity 221. As will be appreciated, force applied to the o-ring causesit to resiliently deform so as to permit the movement of the ligatingslide 206. As further seen by reference to FIG. 18, the base member 203further defines a substantially vertically oriented passageway 222 whichslideably receives a portion of the moveable ligating slide 206 as willbe discussed below. The vertically oriented passageway 222 has a firstend 223 which is adjacent to the superior side of the base member 203,and a second end 224 which is adjacent to the inferior side of theorthodontic bracket 200. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the biasing member207 extends into and partially occludes the vertically orientedpassageway 222. The operation of this passageway in combination with themoveable ligating slide 206 will be discussed in greater detail, below.

As seen in FIG. 18, the ligating slide 206 has a main body 230 having afirst superior end 231, and an opposite inferior end 232. The main bodyfurther has an anterior facing surface 233; and an opposite posteriorfacing surface 234. In the drawing, it will be seen that a portion ofthe posterior facing surface defines, at least in part, the archwireslot 204 when the ligating slide 206 is positioned in covering relationrelative to the archwire slot or opening 208 to restrict access to same.In addition to the foregoing, the main body 230 defines a first portion237 which forms, at least in part, a portion of the anterior facingsurface 233 of the base member 203; and further a second portion 238which is positioned in adjacent spaced relation relative to theposterior facing surface 211 of the base member 203. As seen in FIG. 18,the second portion 238 of the ligating slide 206 is disposed in spacedrelation relative to the anterior facing surface 233 and the firstportion 237. Still further, the second portion 238 is dimensioned inlength, thickness, and width so as to be slideably received within thevertically oriented passageway 222 which is defined by the base member203. As seen in the present drawing, the second portion 238 has formedtherein a plurality of detents, cavities or receiving regions 239 andwhich receive or otherwise cooperate with a portion of the biasingmember 207 so as to releasably position the ligating slide 206 in thefirst and second positions, as will be discussed below.

As seen from a study of FIG. 18, the ligating slide 206 is moveablealong a course of travel 240, from a first position 241 and wherein thebiasing member 207 is received, at least in part, and cooperates withone of the detents, cavities, or receiving regions 239, and wherein theligating slide (phantom lines) and more specifically the first portion237 thereof allows access to the archwire slot 204; and a secondposition 242 (solid lines) and wherein the ligating slide 206 and morespecifically the first portion thereof projects over the opening 208 andotherwise substantially restricts access to the archwire slot 204. Inthe second position 242, again the biasing member 207 is received in oneof the detent or receiving regions 239 in order to releasably secure theligating slide 206 in the appropriate position. To move the ligatingslide between the second and first positions, a clinician would merelyinsert an instrument in the passageway 222 and more specifically at thefirst end 223 thereof and press downwardly on the second portion 238 ofthe ligating slide 206 which is slideably received within the passageway222.

Therefore in the third form of the invention, an orthodontic bracket 200is described and which includes a base member 203 having anterior andposterior facing surfaces 210 and 211, respectively and further definingan archwire slot 204 having an opening 208 in the anterior facingsurface 210. Still further, in this third form of the invention, aligating slide 206 is movably borne by the base member 203 between afirst position 241 which is clear of the archwire slot 204; and a secondposition 242, where the ligating slide 206 projects over the archwireslot. Still further, a biasing member 207 is provided, and which isborne by the base member 203, and which resiliently cooperates with theligating slide 206. As illustrated, the biasing member 207 exerts abiasing force which is directed posteriorly outwardly relative to thebase member 203 to position the ligating slide in the first and secondpositions 241 and 242, respectively. As earlier noted, a cavity 221 isformed in the base member 203 and which receives, at least in part, thebiasing member 207. As with the other several forms of the invention asearlier described, the first portion 237 of the ligating slide 206 isresiliently deformable so as to further facilitate passive self-ligationif necessary.

Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment of the orthodontic bracket of the presentinvention is generally indicated by the numeral 300, and is bestunderstood by a study of FIGS. 21-25, respectively. As seen therein, thethird embodiment of the orthodontic bracket 300 is defined by a bracketbody or base member 303 and which further defines a transverselydisposed archwire slot 304 which is operable to receive an archwire 305of traditional design. As discussed with respect to the first, secondand third forms of the invention, the archwire slot is shown in atransverse orientation relative to the bracket body or base member 303.It will be appreciated, however, that the archwire slot 305 may beoriented in various orientations to achieve assorted clinical benefitsfor a patient. As will be appreciated from a study of FIG. 23, thearchwire slot 304 is substantially rectangularly shaped and is operableto receive a rectangular or square shaped archwire 305 of conventionaldesign. The orthodontic bracket 300 further includes a ligating slide306 which moveably cooperates with the base member 303, and is moveablealong a path of travel from a first position which allows access to thearchwire slot 304 through an opening 308; and a second position, wherethe moveable ligating slide 306 prevents access to the same archwireslot. Similar to that described with respect to the other forms of theinvention, it will be understood that the ligating slide 306 isresiliently deformable so as to facilitate passive self-ligation and theproper seating of the archwire 305 in the archwire slot 304, ifnecessary. As seen in FIG. 23, the ligating slide is shown in phantomview in order to illustrate the relative resiliency and movement of theligating slide relative to the bracket body or base member 303.

As best seen by reference to FIG. 21, the base member 303 has ananterior facing surface or side 310, and an opposite posterior facingsurface or side 311. The posterior facing surface may be adhesivelyaffixed, at least in part, to an underlying tooth of a patient who isbeing treated. Still further, the base member 303 has a top or superiorfacing surface or portion 312, and a bottom, lowermost or inferiorfacing surface 313. Similar to that described with respect to the first,second and third forms of the invention, the base member 303 as well asthe moveable ligating slide 306 define individually elongated channels314 which may be utilized to engage other orthodontic appliances as iscustomary for the treatment of a patient. As earlier described, thisarrangement results in an orthodontic bracket which has substantiallycontinuous superior and inferior tie-wings.

As seen in FIG. 21 and following, and similar to the earlier forms ofthe invention, a transverse, substantially rectangular cross-sectionalshaped passageway 320 is formed in the base member 303 and is disposedin substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the archwire slot304. This transverse passageway 320 may receive other orthodonticappliances such as secondary archwire or further may utilize a noveltorquing spring assembly as was previously described with respect toFIG. 19; or a hook as seen in FIG. 3A and which is generally designatedby the numeral 38.

As seen in FIG. 21 and following, it should be understood, that a bore321 is formed in the base member 303, and more specifically in thelowermost or inferior surface 313 thereof. The elongated bore has afirst end 322 which is located adjacent to the posterior facing surface311 of the base member 303; and further has a second end 323 which islocated adjacent to the anterior facing surface 310 as seen most easilyby reference to FIG. 21. As best understood by reference to FIG. 23, itshould be understood that the bore has a diametral dimension whichgenerally increases when measured from the posterior facing surface 311in the direction of the anterior facing surface 310. More specifically,and as seen in FIG. 23, it will be recognized, that the inside diametraldimension, at the second end 323, is greater than the outside diametraldimension of an elongated flexible projection or member 324 which isreceived in same. This relationship allows the elongated flexibleprojection or member 324 to move relative to the bore. This will bediscussed in greater detail below.

As seen in FIG. 23, it will be appreciated that the fourth form of theinvention 300 includes an elongated flexible projection or member 324which has a proximal end 325 which is located near and otherwise affixedto the posterior facing surface 311 of the base member 303. Stillfurther, the flexible projection or member 324 has a distal end 326which extends anteriorly, outwardly relative to the anterior facingsurface 310 of the base member 303. As illustrated most clearly toreference to FIG. 21, the distal end 326 is operable to move along anarcuately shaped path of travel 327 when the ligating slide 306 movesbetween the first open position where the ligating slide 306 is clear ofthe archwire slot 304; and the second position where the ligating sliderestricts access or otherwise projects over the archwire slot.Therefore, in one aspect of the present invention, an orthodonticbracket 300 is disclosed and which includes a base member 303 definingan archwire slot 304; and an elongated flexible member 324 is borne bythe base member and which has a distal end 326 which is moveable alongan arcuately shaped path of travel 327. Still further in this form ofthe invention, a ligating slide 306 is moveably borne by the base member303 between a first position where the ligating slide is clear of thearchwire slot 304; and a second position where the ligating sliderestricts access to the archwire slot. In this regard, the distal end326 of the elongated flexible member 324 cooperates with the ligatingslide 306 and moves along the arcuately shaped path of travel as theligating slide moves between the first and second positions. As will beappreciated from a study of the drawings, the arcuately shaped path oftravel 327 (which is greatly exaggerated to reveal this feature of theinvention) is generally parallel to the anterior facing surface 310 ofthe base member 303. In view of the arrangement of the bore 321, asearlier described, the arcuately shaped path of travel 327 of the distalend 326 is generally facilitated. However, it should be understood thatthe flexible member 324 as herein described is not deformable orcompressible in a longitudinal direction as was previous prior artassemblies. Rather, as seen in the drawings, the flexible member merelyis operable to allow the distal end 326 thereof to move along thearcuately shaped path of travel for the benefits that will be describedhereinafter. As illustrated most clearly by reference to FIG. 21, thebase member has a lowermost portion 328 which defines a channel 329which extends from the archwire slot 304 to the lowermost portion. Asseen in the drawings, and as appreciated from the various views, theligating slide 306 is slideably received in the channel defined by thebase member, and the elongated flexible projection or member 324 definesthe path of travel for the ligating slide as it moves between the firstopen position which is clear of the archwire slot, to the secondposition where the ligating slide 306 projects over the archwire slotand restricts access to same.

As best illustrated by reference to FIG. 21, the ligating slide 306 hasa main body 340 having a first superior end 341, and an oppositeinferior end 342. The main body further has an anterior facing surface343 and an opposite posterior facing surface 344. In the drawings asprovided, it will be seen that a portion of the posterior facing surfacedefines, at least in part, the archwire slot 304, and the ligating slide306 is positioned in covering relation relative to the archwire slot oropening 308 to restrict access to same. In addition to the foregoing,the main body, and more specifically, the anterior facing surface 343thereof has a first recessed region 345 and a second recessed region 346formed therein. These recessed regions allow the ligating slide 306 tobe matingly received in the channel 329, and move along a course oftravel which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. As bestseen by reference to FIG. 21 and following, a channel 350 having a givennonlinear shape is formed in the posterior facing surface 344 of themain body 340 and is operable to receive the distal end 326 of theflexible projection or member 324. As seen therein, the channel has afirst end 351, and a second, opposite end 352. Still further, there is afirst transversely disposed seat 353 formed at the first end 351, and asecond, transversely disposed seat 354 formed at the second end thereof.The channel includes an intermediate portion 355 which couples the firstand second transverse seats 353 and 354 together. Still further, themain body 340 includes an abutting edge 356. As should be understood,the ligating slide 306 is slideably borne by the base member 303, and ismoveable between a first, open position which allows access to thearchwire slot 304 and a second closed position which restricts access tothe archwire slot. The ligating slide 306 has an anterior and aposterior facing surface 343 and 344, respectively, and wherein achannel 350 is formed in the posterior facing surface of the ligatingslide and is operable to receive the elongated flexible member 324therein. As earlier discussed, the flexible member has a distal end 326which is received in the channel and wherein the distal end isresiliently deformed along a substantially arcuately shaped path oftravel 327. The flexible member cooperates with the channel 350 toreleasably secure the ligating slide 306 in the first and secondpositions as will be described below. In the arrangement as seen in thedrawings, the channel 350 includes first and second transverse seats 353and 354, respectively, which are located at the first and second ends351 and 352 of the channel. These individual seats are each dimensionedto matingly receive the flexible projection or member 324 and whereinthe flexible projection or member is not substantially deformed whenreceived in the respective seats. As should be understood, the movementof the ligating slide 306 between the first and second positions causesthe flexible projection or member to resiliently deform and move out ofthe respective seats and along the intermediate portion 355 of thechannel. As will be recognized from a study of FIG. 23, and similar tothe previous forms of the invention, the ligating slide 306 isresiliently deformable and has a superior end 341 which is rounded orbeveled, at least in part. Still further, the ligating slide 306 hasopposite peripheral edges 347 and the base member 303 shields, at leastin part, the opposite peripheral edges as best seen by reference to FIG.22.

As seen from a study of the drawings, the ligating slide 306 is moveablealong a course of travel 350 from a first position 351 and wherein thedistal end 326 of the elongated flexible projection or member isreceived in the first transverse seat 353 which is located at the firstend of the channel 350, and wherein the ligating slide is substantiallyclear of the archwire slot 304; and a second position 352, and whereinthe distal end 326 is located at the second seat 354 and the ligatingslide 306 is located in substantially covering relation over thearchwire slot and thereby inhibits access to same.

Fifth Embodiment

The fifth embodiment of the orthodontic bracket of the present inventionis generally indicated by the numeral 400, and is best seen by referenceto FIGS. 26 and 27, respectively. As seen therein, the second embodimentof the orthodontic bracket 400 is defined by a bracket body or basemember 403 and which further defines a transversely disposed archwireslot 404 which is operable to receive an archwire 405 of traditionaldesign. As earlier discussed, the archwire slot 404 is shown in atransverse orientation relative to the bracket body or base member 403,however, it will be appreciated that the archwire slot 404 may beoriented in various orientations to achieve various clinical benefitsfor a patient. As seen in the drawings, the archwire slot 404 issubstantially rectangular in shape, and is operable to receive arectangular or square shaped archwire 405 of conventional design. Theorthodontic bracket 400 includes a ligating slide 406 which moveablycooperates with the base member 403, and is moveable along a path oftravel from a first position which allows access to the archwire slot405 through the opening 408, and a second position where the moveableligating slide 406 prevents access to the archwire slot. It will beappreciated by a study of FIG. 27 that the ligating slide 406 isresiliently deformable so as to facilitate passive self-ligation, andthe proper seating of the archwire 405 in the archwire slot 404. Asshould be understood, the present resiliently deformable ligating slide406 may be deformed sufficiently such that it may close over an archwire405 which may be slightly protruding from the archwire slot 404. Overtime, however, the ligating slide 408 will assume its original shape toconfine or otherwise enclose the archwire 405 within the archwire slotin the manner of passive self ligation, as earlier discussed. As seen byreference to FIGS. 26 and 27, the base member 403 has an anterior facingsurface or side 410, and an opposite posterior facing surface or side411, which may be adhesively affixed, at least in part, to an underlyingtooth of a patient who is being treated. Still further, the base member403 has a top or superior surface 412, and a bottom or inferior surface413. As seen in FIG. 27, the base member 403, and a portion of themoveable ligating slide 406 define individually elongated channels 414which may be utilized to engage other orthodontic appliances as iscustomary for the treatment of a patient. The base member and ligatingslide each define a substantially continuous tie wing.

As seen in FIGS. 26 and 27, for example, and similar to the other formsof the invention, a transverse substantially rectangular cross-sectionedpassageway 420 is formed in the base member 403, and is disposed insubstantially parallel spaced relation relative to the archwire slot404. As earlier disclosed, this transverse passageway 420 may receiveother orthodontic appliances, such as a secondary archwire, or furthermay utilize the novel torquing spring assembly 31 such as described inprevious forms of the invention, and which is seen in FIG. 19. As seenin the drawings, the fifth form of the orthodontic bracket 400 includesan elongated flexible member 424 which is received in a bore 425, andwhich extends generally posteriorly outwardly relative to the basemember 403. The flexible member has a proximal end 426 which is securedin the base 425, and a distal end 427 which cooperates with the ligatingslide 406 in order to achieve the benefits which will be discussed ingreater detail hereinafter. As seen in FIG. 27, the bore 425 does notextend through the base member 403 and has variable diametral dimensionwhich facilitates the movement of the distal end 427 along an arcuatelyshaped path of travel similar to that disclosed in the fourth form ofthe invention. Further, and when assembling the fifth form of theinvention, it should be clear from a study of FIG. 27 that the flexiblemember 424 is inserted in the bore 425 from the posterior side 411 ofthe base member 403. It is, of course, possible to fabricate a basemember where the flexible member could be inserted from the anteriorfacing surface thereof. As seen by reference to FIGS. 26 and 27,respectively, the base member 403 further defines a substantiallyvertically oriented passageway 428 which slideably receives a portion ofthe moveable ligating slide 406 as will be discussed in greater detailhereinafter. The vertically oriented passageway is located adjacent tothe posterior facing surface 411 and extends from the superior surface412 of the base member 403 to the inferior 413. As seen by reference toFIG. 27, the projection 424 extends into and partially occludes thevertically oriented passageway 428. The operation of the passageway, incombination with the moveable ligating slide 406, will be discussed ingreater detail, hereinafter.

As best seen by reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, the base member 403includes a pair of anteriorly extending guide members 430 which arepositioned in predetermined substantially parallel spaced relation onerelative to the other. The guide members 430 are operable to cooperatewith the ligating slide 406 as will be described below. Each of theguide members have an inwardly facing surface 431 which defines apassageway 432 therebetween, and which slideably receives a portion ofthe ligating slide 406. Further, and similar to the other forms of theinvention 10, the guide members may further include a portion which isoperable to slideably restrain, and otherwise shield, at least in part,the ligating slide 106 (not shown in FIG. 26). As seen in FIGS. 26 and27, for example, the ligating slide 406 has a main body 450 having afirst superior end 451, and an opposite second inferior end 452. Themain body further has an anterior facing surface 453, and an oppositeposterior facing surface 454. As seen in those drawings, a portion ofthe posterior facing surface defines, in part, the archwire slot 404when the ligating slide is positioned in covering relation relative tothe archwire slot to restrict access to same. Such as seen in FIG. 27.The main body 450 has opposite substantially vertically disposedperipheral edges 455 and 456, respectively. Still further, the main bodyhas a first portion 457 which forms, at least in part, a portion of theanterior facing surface 453 of the base member 403; and further, asecond portion 458 which is positioned in adjacent spaced relationrelative to the posterior facing surface 411 of the base member when theorthodontic bracket 400 is assembled. As seen in FIGS. 26 and 27, thesecond portion 458 of the ligating slide 406 is disposed in spacedrelation relative to the posterior facing surface 454. Still further,the second portion 458 is dimensioned, in length, thickness and width,to be slideably received within the vertically oriented passageway 428which is defined by the base member 403. The second portion of theligating slide defines a channel 459 similar in shape and in function aswas previously described with respect to the earlier forms of theinvention and which receives the distal end 427 of the flexible member426. The flexible member, in cooperation with the channel 459 defines acourse of movement for the accompanying ligating slide 406 for thepurposes which will be described, below.

As seen from a study of FIGS. 26 and 27, the ligating slide 406 ismoveable along a course of travel or movement between a first position,where the ligating slide 406 allows access to the archwire slot 404, andwherein the flexible member 424 is at one end of the channel 459, and asecond position where the ligating slide 406 projects over the opening408 and restricts access to the archwire slot 404 (FIG. 27), and theflexible member 424 is at the opposite end of the channel 459. As theflexible member moves along the channel, the distal end thereof movesalong the arcuately shaped path of travel as was previously described inthe earlier forms of the invention. In this arrangement, the ligatingslide 406 is biasingly supported in at least one of the first or secondpositions by the flexible member 424.

Operation

The operation of the described embodiments of the present invention arebelieved to be readily apparent and are briefly summarized at thispoint.

In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to an orthodonticbracket 10, 100, which includes a ligating slide 16, 106 which isconfigured to be coupled to a base member 13, 103 and wherein theligating slide further cooperates F with a biasing member 17, 107 whichreceives, at least in part, a portion of the base. As illustrated, andin two forms of the invention 10 and 100, the biasing member exerts abiasing force which is directed principally in a direction which issubstantially parallel, and in spaced relation relative to thedirection, or path of movement of the ligating slide. Still further, thepresent invention relates to an orthodontic bracket 10, 100 whichincludes a base member 13, 103 defining an archwire slot 14, 104 havingan opening 44, 108, and wherein at least one projection 34, 124 extendsoutwardly from the base member 13, 103. The orthodontic bracket 10, 100further includes a ligating slide 16, 106 which is moveable along acourse of travel between a first position 75, 181 which is clear of thearchwire slot 14, 104 and a second position 76, 182 where the ligatingslide 16, 106 projects over the opening 44, 108 of the archwire slot.Still further, the present invention includes a resilient biasing member17, 107 borne by the ligating slide 16, 106 and slideably cooperatingwith a projection 34, 124, and wherein the resilient member has a firstportion 95, 175 which receives the projection 34, 124 when the ligatingslide is in the first position 75, 181 and a second portion 96, 176which receives the projection 34, 124 when the ligating slide is in thesecond position 76, 182.

The orthodontic bracket 10, 100 of the present invention includes a basemember 13, 103 defining a transverse archwire slot 14, 104 having anopening 44, 108. A ligating slide 16, 106 is borne by the base member13, 103 and is further moveable relative to the archwire slot 14, 104,and wherein the ligating slide is moveable between a first position 75,181 where the ligating slide allows access to the archwire slot, and asecond position 76, 182 where the ligating slide projects over theopening 44, 108 and restricts access to the archwire slot 14, 104. Inthe present invention, the ligating slide 16, 106 is biasingly supportedin at least one of the first or second positions as described above. Aswas described earlier, the biasing force supplied by the biasing memberis generally in a direction which is substantially parallel to thedirection of movement of the ligating slide.

The orthodontic bracket 10, 100 of the present invention furthercomprises, in one respect, a base member 13, 103 having a transversearchwire slot 14, 104 defining an opening 44, 108 and at least oneprojection 34, 124 extending outwardly from the base member 13, 103. Thepresent invention further includes a ligating slide 16, 106 moveablebetween a first position 75, 181 which is clear of the archwire slot anda second position 76, 182 projecting over the opening of the archwireslot. Still further in the present invention, a substantially planarresilient biasing member 17, 107 is borne by the ligating slide 16, 106and matingly cooperates with the projection 34, 124. In the arrangementas seen in the drawings, a first portion of the biasing member 95, 175receives the projection when the ligating slide 16, 106 is in the firstposition 75, 181, and a second portion 96, 176 receives the projection34, 124 when the ligating slide is in the second position.

The orthodontic bracket 10, 100 further comprises a base member 13, 103having an opening 44, 108 and a transverse passageway 30, 120, which isoriented in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to thearchwire slot 14, 104. Still further, the orthodontic bracket 10, 100includes a ligating slide 16, 106 borne by the base member 13, 103 andmoveable relative to the archwire slot 14, 104, and wherein the ligatingslide is moveable between a first position 75, 181 where the ligatingslide is clear of, and allows access to the archwire slot; and a secondposition 76, 182 where the ligating slide projects over, and restrictsaccess to, the archwire slot 14, 104. As earlier disclosed, thetransverse passageway 30, 120 is operable to cooperate with a torquingassembly 31, 121 in order to exert force upon an archwire 15, 105.

Another aspect of the orthodontic bracket 10, 100 of the presentinvention includes a base member 13, 103 having a posterior facingsurface 21, 111 and an anterior facing surface 20, 110 and a projection34, 124 extending outwardly from one or both of the posterior 21, 111and/or anterior facing surfaces 20, 110, and wherein the projection 34,124 has an outwardly facing surface 36, 126. A ligating slide 16, 106 isborne by the base member 13, 103, and further has a pair of members 84,85, 164, 165 having opposing surfaces 92, 172 and a channel 93, 173defined therebetween the opposing surfaces 92, 172. The channel definedby the biasing member is substantially parallel to the ligating slide.The pair of members 84, 85, 164, 165 resiliently cooperate with theoutwardly facing surface 36, 126 of the projection 34, 124 in order toexert a biasing force which is substantially parallel to the directionof movement of the ligating slide, and which positions the ligatingslide 16, 106 in an appropriate orientation relative to the archwireslot 14, 104. In this regard, the pair of members 84, 85, 164, 165 arespaced, and resiliently moveable, one relative to the other. Stillfurther, a biasing abutment 94, 174 is defined by one of the surfaces92, 172 of the respective members. The biasing abutment at leastpartially occludes the channel 93, 173.

The present invention also relates to an orthodontic bracket 100 whichhas a base member 103 having a posterior facing surface 111, and ananterior facing surface 110, and wherein a projection 124 extendsgenerally outwardly and in the direction of the posterior facing surface111, and wherein the anterior facing surface 110 of the base member 103defines an archwire slot 104 having an opening 108. In this second formof the invention 100, a ligating slide 106 is borne by the base member103 and is moveable along a course of travel 180 between a firstposition 181 which allows access to the archwire slot 104 through theopening 108, and a second position 182, which restricts access to thearchwire slot 104 through the same opening 108. In this arrangement, theligating slide 106 includes a first portion 157 which extends to asecond portion 158. In this arrangement, the first portion 157 forms, atleast in part, a portion of the anterior facing surface 110 of the basemember 103, and the second portion 158 is positioned in adjacent spacedrelation relative to the posterior facing surface 111 of the base member103. In the arrangement as seen the second form of the invention 100, aresilient biasing member 107 is coupled to the ligating slide 106 andwhich operatively mates with and or otherwise cooperates with theprojection 124. The resilient biasing member 107 exerts a biasing forcerelative to the projection 124 which is substantially perpendicular; andfurther substantially parallel and non-coaxial alignment relative to thepath of travel 180.

In another aspect of the present invention, an orthodontic bracket 10includes a base member 13 defining an archwire slot 14 and whichtraverses the base member 13, and wherein the archwire slot 14 definesan opening 44 within an anterior facing surface 20 of the base member13. Still further, in the first form of the invention 10, a channel 43extends along the anterior side 20 of the base member 13 from thearchwire slot 14 to a lowermost surface 23 of the base member 13. Inthis arrangement, a fixed projection 34 extends laterally outwardly fromthe base member 13 and into a portion of the channel 43. Further, abiasing member 17 resiliently cooperates with the fixed projection 34.

The present invention also relates to a method of forming an orthodonticbracket 10 which includes providing an orthodontic bracket base member13 having an anterior surface 20 and a posterior surface 21; providingan opening 44 within the anterior surface 20 of the base member 13, andwherein the opening 44 traverses the width of the base member 13, andfurther defines, at least in part, an archwire slot 14. Still further,the present methodology includes a step of providing a channel 43 withinthe base member 13, and which extends downwardly relative to thearchwire slot 14; and providing a projection 34 extending outwardly fromthe channel 43 and which is rigidly affixed to the base member 13. Thepresent methodology also relates to a method of forming an orthodonticbracket which includes the steps of providing a ligating slide 16, 106which is moveably borne by a base member 13, 103; and coupling a biasingmember 17, 107 to the ligating slide 16, 106, and wherein the biasingmember is substantially parallel to the ligating slide.

Therefore, it will be seen that the present invention has been designedto meet the future needs of the orthodontic profession, and furtheraddresses many of the shortcomings attendant with the prior art devicesand practices which have been utilized heretofore. The presentorthodontic bracket will result in a greater range of treatment optionsand the quality of the resulting orthodontic treatment will be greatlyimproved in view of the many features of the present invention.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural and methodical features.It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown and described, since the means hereindisclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwirewith a tooth, comprising: a bracket body that is configured to bemounted to the tooth and that includes an archwire slot adapted toreceive the archwire, an anterior surface, and a recess that is formedin the anterior surface, the archwire slot including opposed slot wallsprojecting outwardly from a base surface; and a ligating slide that isengaged with and movable relative to the bracket body between an openedposition and a closed position in which the ligating slide opposes thebased surface, wherein the recess receives a tool to open the ligatingslide.
 2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the recess is narrower inwidth than the width of the ligating slide.
 3. The bracket of claim 1,wherein the recess is at least partially closed off from a superiorsurface portion of the bracket body.
 4. The bracket of claim 1, whereinthe bracket body includes a support surface that opens to the archwireslot opposite the recess and the ligating slide is slidably engaged withthe support surface.
 5. The bracket of claim 4, wherein the supportsurface carries a pair of opposed guides, the ligating slide slidingbetween the pair of opposed guides.
 6. The bracket of claim 5, whereinthe pair of opposed guides are generally L-shaped.
 7. The bracket ofclaim 5, wherein the ligating slide includes a mesial portion, a distalportion, and a raised central portion positioned intermediate to themesial and distal portions.
 8. The bracket of claim 7, wherein themesial portion, the distal portion, and the raised central portiondefine gingival-occlusal directed grooves that are engagable by the pairof opposed guides.
 9. The bracket of claim 7, wherein the raised centralportion projects in a labial direction such that a labial side of theraised central portion is substantially flush with a labial side of thepair of guides when the ligating slide is in the closed position.